AbdulKadir Kolade Yunusa

My name is Yunusa Kolade AbdulKadir, and I am deeply passionate about climate resilience, sustainable development, and the role of inclusive systems in transforming vulnerable communities. I hold a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Economic Policy and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, but beyond the academics, what drives me is the lived experience of seeing how climate change disrupts lives, especially in rural parts of Northern Nigeria, where I was raised and have worked extensively.

Currently, I work as a Process Control and Compliance Officer with AFEX Commodity Exchange Limited. My role focuses on integrating ESG principles into agricultural value chains, managing risk, and ensuring operational compliance across 22 warehouse sites. A major part of my work involves using our in-house digital platform to onboard smallholder farmers, manage their access to credit, and track repayments, a system that has allowed us to support over 15,000 farmers and improve their productivity despite climate uncertainties.

Before joining AFEX, I served as a Quality Assurance Officer at Dabol Nigeria Limited, where I helped ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards for clients like Nestlé, Guinness, and the World Food Program. I also supervised the Nestlé Outgrowers Scheme, promoting gender inclusion and value chain empowerment for rural women. Additionally, during my time at the National Centre for Petroleum Research and Development, I conducted crude oil quality analysis and environmental impact assessments on the Kolmani oilfield, focusing on how extractive activities affect food systems, water quality, and displacement.

My journey is rooted in a strong desire to bridge research, policy, and real-world action. I have pursued certifications in environmental law, circular economy, and sustainable development to strengthen my capacity to drive meaningful change. I am particularly passionate about climate-informed humanitarian programming, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation areas I hope to continue contributing to on a global scale.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that resilience is not just about bouncing back, but about building stronger systems, empowering people, and protecting the planet. I am committed to working with organisations and initiatives that share this vision.